Notes from the host
North Transept
The North Transept is a self-contained annex of our Victorian Gothic church, The Old Church. The church was built for the local country house estate in the mid 19th century and was deconsecrated in 1980. We have been converting the church since 1988 - it is our family home.
It is located on a small country lane which is no through road so there is very little passing traffic. It is very peaceful with little light pollution making it great for stargazing (except when it’s cloudy!). We are located midway between Chippenham and Devizes, and about 15 minutes from Chippenham mainline railway station. In case you’re worried, the graveyard has been closed to burials for over 30 years! We think it is a very tranquil space with some lovely old headstones and Celtic crosses.
The North Transept has its own private separate step free entrance from the outside into its own lobby which is a good place to leave your coats, shoes and boots. This then opens into the double height North Transept space.
On the ground floor there is:
- a comfortable living and dining area with a sofa, easy chair and a table for two
- a fully equipped kitchen with electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge, kettle, bean-to-cup coffee maker, toaster and plenty of worktop space; there is a full complement of crockery, glassware, cutlery, cookware, cooking utensils
- a bathroom with bath and shower; 'Simple' brand shower gel, shampoo and conditioner are provided
Stairs lead up to a mezzanine which has a comfortable king size bed with hanging space and drawers. At this level there is a large beautiful Gothic window which looks out onto the old graveyard and beyond to open fields.
The whole space has beautifully high ceilings with exposed beams but is warm and cosy with underfloor heating under the stone ground floor.
The North Transept has Wi-Fi, smart TV and an audio system with bluetooth.
There is a small terrace outside the North Transept front door with a table and chairs for the exclusive use of guests.
There is a washing machine and tumble dryer in the laundry room in the main house that guests are welcome to use.
We will welcome you on arrival and take you round to the North Transept where house manual details are available to explain about the space and surroundings. We also provide information on things to do and where to eat locally. There will be someone around or contactable in case of any problems, or to advise you on local amenities or provide any other help.
We provide items so you can make your own continental breakfast – there are: various teas, bean-to-cup coffee maker, sugar, granola, milk, orange juice, sliced bread and croissants In the icebox, preserves and butter.
We have a golden retriever called Taya and and a ragdoll cat called Titan. They are both very friendly and sociable and good with other animals.
The Old Church is set in its own two acres of landscaped gardens with mature trees and shrubs, pond and summer house which guests are free to explore and enjoy. There are lots of lovely places to sit and to make yourself comfortable.
Dogs are welcome. The entire garden perimeter is fenced. With the main gate shut, the property is completely enclosed.
There’s loads of off- street car parking in our drive and parking area. There is a covered area for motorbikes and bicycles.
The North Transept is located in Chittoe a quiet hidden valley with lots of lovely walks directly from the church and many others just a short drive away. It is in hamlet of less than 20 houses and on a no through lane so it's very quiet and peaceful (apart from the sounds of the owls, pheasants and Muntjac deer!).
As well as enjoying the peace of the countryside there are loads of things to do in the area. Nearby are:
• Lots of local walks straight from The North Transept
• Market town of Devizes with the Kennet and Avon Canal with its Caen Hill flight of 29 locks
• National Trust village of Lacock with Lacock Abbey
• Bowood House with its Capability Brown gardens
• Market town of Corsham with Corsham Court
• Picturesque village of Castle Combe
• Great Chalfield Manor
• Neolithic stone henge monument at Avebury, Silbury Hill, and the West Kennet Long Barrow
• Market towns of Marlborough, Tetbury and Cirencester
• Bradford On Avon – picturesque and historic town with nice cafés and restaurants
• The Courts Gardens at Holt near Bradford on Avon
• Georgian City of Bath
• Stonehenge
• Westonbirt Arboretum – The National Arboretum with over 18,000 trees in over 600 acres
• Cathedral city of Salisbury
There are a variety of places to eat nearby including village and town pubs and a range of restaurants.
There is a well stocked farm shop about 5 minutes away and a range of supermarkets within 15-20 drive.
